How To Introduce Your New Dog to Your Resident Cats

Multi-pet households can be a handful, but they are a ton of fun! Adding new pets can be difficult, as your resident pets get used to the newcomer. This is especially true when you are adding a new dog to a household of cats. This process must be handled carefully to have the best chance of everyone getting along. The best way to handle the introduction is slowly; stretch the meeting over as many days as possible, slowly allowing them to spend more time with each other in closer contact. Here's how to introduce your new dog to your resident cats:

1. Make sure your dog is cat-friendly. Some dogs are known to be cat-friendly, while others are not. Obviously, you'll want to choose a breed that has had good relationships with cats in the past, for the best chance of success in your household. Train your new dog as quickly as possible so that you'll be able to get him to come, sit, and stay. This can help you control his interactions with the resident cats.
2. Choose the right dog. Choosing a puppy can be a good decision because a puppy is more likely to see cats as part of the pack. Aggressive dogs are not a good choice for households with cats. You may want to rethink the decision if your cat is a small kitten, or is declawed, handicapped, or elderly, because they will not be able to defend themselves against a dog. Though it is possible to mix large-breed dogs with cats, you may feel more comfortable with a smaller dog.
3. Arrange a first meeting in a neutral spot. Though this can be difficult with cats, try to arrange the first meeting in a neutral spot. This way, the cats won't feel like the dog is invading their space. Your cats and the new dog should both be in a relaxed mood. Don't get your pets worked up by playing with them directly before the first meeting. Do not force your pets to interact close together on the first day, merely let them check each other out. Be prepared to stop your dog from approaching the cat using his leash. Short visits are preferable to immediately moving the dog into the house, though this is not always possible.
4. Give the cats and the dog private places. Your cats may immediately want to run and hide under your bed or in another quiet spot once there is a dog in their territory. Make sure that your cats have somewhere where the dog is not allowed. They need this quiet space where they feel safe.
5. Watch their first interactions carefully. Don't be surprised if there is hissing, meowing, or barking, especially in the first few days. If these fights turn physical and you're scared of your pets getting hurt, be prepared to intervene. Be aware that your pets may try to mark their territory through urinating or other behaviors. This acting out is due to the changes happening in the structure of the household; they should adjust, with time.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the pairing wasn't meant to be. If your gut is telling you that it isn't working out, be prepared to accept this outcome. Contact the breeder or shelter to discuss returning the dog. In the meantime, keep the dog and cats separated.